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Biohazard Symbol (☣)
The Biohazard Symbol (☣) — copy the text symbol here.
Biohazard Symbol codes
| Code | Value |
|---|---|
| Unicode code point | U+2623 |
| Unicode name | Biohazard Sign |
| HTML named entity | None — use the decimal or hex code below |
| HTML decimal | ☣ |
| HTML hex | ☣ |
| CSS content code | \2623 |
| JavaScript / JSON | \u2623 |
| Windows Alt code | No standard Alt code — copy it from the card above |
Biohazard Symbol variants (11)
11 related glyphs — click any tile to copy it. Tiles with a page open that symbol's own page.
Meaning & usage
☣ is the biohazard trefoil, designed in 1966 to be memorable, confusing-with-nothing, and identical from every angle — it labels infectious materials in labs and hospitals worldwide. Its designer, Charles Baldwin, tested that people could learn it in a week and remember it a year later.
Examples in use
- ☣ Sharps container
- Lab door: ☣ BSL-2
How to type the biohazard symbol
Windows
There is no Alt code or direct key for ☣. In Microsoft Word, type 2623 and press Alt+X to convert it. Everywhere else, click the Copy button at the top of this page and paste it (Ctrl+V) — that always works.
Mac
There is no Option-key shortcut for ☣ on a Mac. Open the Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space, search for "Biohazard Symbol", and double-click to insert — or copy it from this page.
iPhone & Android
Most phone keyboards have no built-in key for ☣. Open this page on your phone, tap Copy, then paste it into your message or bio. (On Android, Gboard's emoji search finds some symbols by name.)
Linux
Press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 2623 and press Enter (works in most GTK apps and terminals with IBus). Or copy it from this page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I copy the ☣ symbol?
Click the big ☣ at the top of this page to copy it, then paste it into documents, signage drafts, posts and messages.
Can I use it on real safety signage?
For real-world safety signs, use your country's official signage standards and artwork — this text character is ideal for documents, web pages and drafts, not a substitute for regulated signs.
Why does ☣ sometimes show as a box or question mark?
The box (called tofu) means the device or font viewing it has no drawing for U+2623 (Biohazard Sign). The character itself is fine — try a different font or a newer device, or use one of the variants on this page.
Is the Biohazard Symbol free to use?
Yes. ☣ is a standard Unicode text character published in the Unicode Character Database. You may use it in personal and commercial documents, designs and products without permission or payment.
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Data: Unicode Character Database · Page updated 2026-11-13